We have known about Sounders FC’s interest in Martins for a couple weeks now, though things had been a bit quiet the past few days. The Nigerian international would address a major need at forward following the loss of Fredy Montero on loan to Colombia’s Millionarios for 2013 and take up Seattle’s third designated player slot.

Space on the roster was opened when the team bought out the contract of DP Christian Tiffert.

The Sounders haven’t scored in their first two games of the season — a March 2 MLS opener at home against Montreal (a 1-0 loss) and Wednesday’s first leg of a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals at Mexico’s Tigres UANL (also a 1-0 loss).

GM Adrian Hanauer had used terminology like “circle the wagons” and “cross the finish line” within the past couple weeks regarding the team’s interest in Martins, which had portrayed confidence the move would get done, even as Levante officials expressed hope of keeping the forward until June.